Braves insider makes feelings known on Max Fried's $218,000,000 Yankees move, likens it to Dansby Swanson's departure

Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried signed with the New York Yankees this offseason. His eight-year $218 million deal made it the highest contract offered to a left-handed pitcher and the fourth highest in the sport's history.

As per Braves insider Justin Toscano, Atlanta was never in with a shout for the pitcher. He reckons the size of the contract was too much for the Braves to take on.

"I could totally see—like I never foresaw 218 million, like that's crazy. And I'm not saying that in any disrespect to Max, who is a terrific competitor, got five terrific pitches, never gives guys the same at-bat twice in a game. Like, the dude's phenomenal, and he's gonna do great in New York. He deserves it. But I can see why the Braves weren't willing to go even near there.

"Like, you kidding me? Like, I would use—and if you had that money to spend, why not spend it in a couple of different places if you're willing to go that high? So it makes sense, like that business side," Toscano said. [25:55]

Toscano added that the Braves didn't hold any talks with Max Fried this offseason. In fact, the last time they offered him a contract was in 2023. This mirrored the situation with Dansby Swanson wherein once Atlanta walked away from the table, the management was ready to let the player go.

"The last time (Fried's agents and Braves) talked was before the 2023 season which kind of tells you that the Braves got to their point of comfort the same way they did with Danby Swanson. Then it was like off the table right, and I think that's kind of what they do. They're very rigid in that way, and to a degree, you have to be when you operate as they do," Toscano said. [26:45]

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Max Fried named one of MLB's nightmare contracts

Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer feels that the New York Yankees have over-compensated the value to sign Max Fried.

As per Rymer, Fried's injuries make him susceptible to losing more time as the days go by. His 2023 forearm strain injury kept him out of the rotation for three months, which has also impacted his play with lower whiff and barrel rates.

Max Fried's numbers dropped last season, posting an 11-10 record with a 3.25 ERA. He had a 62-26 career record heading into the season. If he picks up the form he had at the start of the 2023 season, the Yankees could feel satisfied with their pick.